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SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION

HISTORY

GENERAL

The founding, historical Data, and/or other Information, pertaining to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Parents' Association [SPPA] are provided herein. SPPA is an official Parent's Club that is associated with the United States Naval Academy [USNA] and has been established within the Framework, Guidelines, and Policies that were developed by the USNA Alumni Association [USNA AA], and as regulated by the USNA AA's Parents' Club Coordinator.

The concept for SPPA was initially formulated in mid-December of 1989, as a result of the urging of the MIDSHIPMEN Sons of Ms. Helen Callas-Reiner (‘91/’92) of Willow Grove, PA, and Ms. Barbara Kolbe (‘92) of Perkasie, PA.

For the Record, SPPA was officially recognized on Monday, 26 February 1990.

CHRONOLOGY

A brief Biography of key SPPA Events is included herein, as well as a List of those who have served in running the Ship; i.e., Leadership, since SPPA’s Formal Inception in 1990.

1989

December

Informal Meeting is held by S/E PA Area Parents at the Helen Callas-Reiner Home to discuss any interest in the forming of a Parents' Club, as a result of a Letter Of Inquiry sent out by Helen Callas-Reiner (‘91/’92) in the late Fall of 1989

1990

February

First Official Meeting is held at the Helen Callas-Reiner home to formally establish our Parents' Club At this Meeting, Helen Callas-Reiner (‘91/’92) and Barbara Kolbe (‘92) agree to jointly chair this new Organization for Fiscal Year 1990-91

In addition, Bob Gantert (’89) agrees to be the Club's first Newsletter Editor

June

SPPA Members attend and solicit incoming Class Of 1994 PLEBE Parents to join the Club at the PLEBE Luncheon. This Luncheon is held annually at the Officers' Club at the Naval Air Station (NAS)/Joint Reserve Training (JRT) Base, Willow Grove, PA, and is sponsored by the USNA’s SouthEastern (S/E) PennsylvaniA’s (PA) Blue & Gold (B&G) Officer, Captain Donald A. McRae, USNR (Retired)

First Welcome Aboard Picnic for PLEBE Parents is held at the Helen Callas-Reiner Home

September

Club selects TELL TALES as the Newsletter Name

October

Bob Gantert (‘89) designs the initial SPPA Logo, The SHIP!

First Football Tailgate Party is held at the Homecoming Football Game at USNA’s Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Field

1991

June

Barbara Kolbe (‘92) is elected as the First Club Chairman for Fiscal Year 1991-92

July

SPPA Members attend and distribute the first Club Parents’ HandBook to the incoming Class Of 1995 PLEBE Parents at the PLEBE Luncheon, held at the Officers' Club, JRT/NAS, Willow Grove

December

SPPA initiates Group Seating for the Army/Navy Football Game

First All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted by the U. S. Military Academy (Army), with major support from SPPA and NAVY. It is also agreed by All Concerned / Involved Delaware Valley Service Academy Parents' Organizations that the subsequent Affairs will be hosted, in a rotation based upon each Institution's founding date. Those Founding Dates are: US Military Academy, 1802; US Naval Academy, 1845; US Coast Guard (CG) Academy, 1876; US Merchant Marine Academy, 1943; and US Air Force Academy (AFA), 1957

1992

June

SPPA Members attend and solicit incoming Class Of 1996 PLEBE Parents to join SPPA at the Annual S/E PA PLEBE Luncheon, held annually at the Officers' Club, JRT/NAS, Willow Grove, PA

July

PLEBE Parents' Welcome Aboard Picnic is moved to and will be held there until future notice --- Officers' Club, NAS, Willow Grove, Willow Grove, PA

Joseph Bartish (‘93) agrees to be the next Club Newsletter Editor

September

Club By-Laws are adopted by the Club Membership

October

Joseph Bartish (‘93) is elected as the first Club President for Fiscal Year 1992-93

December

Second All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted by the US Naval Academy (NAVY - SPPA)

Yard donates an USNA Banner for utilization at SPPA Functions

1993

June

SPPA Members attend and solicit incoming Class Of 1997 PLEBE Parents to join SPPA at the Annual S/E PA PLEBE Luncheon, held annually at the Officers' Club, JRT/NAS, Willow Grove, PA

July

PLEBE Care Package Program is adopted by the Membership

First PLEBE Care Packages are distributed to our PLEBEs (Class OF 1997) in the Yard

September

The USNA Alumni Association (AA) Parents' Club Coordination Group initiates and holds the First Parents' Club Presidents and Officers Seminar at Alumni House in Annapolis, as part of Firstie Parents' Weekend. This Event will be held annually prior to, but during, Firstie Parents' Weekend

October

Joseph Bartish (‘93) agrees to a second term as Club President for Fiscal Year 1993-94

Helen Callas-Reiner (‘91/’92) implements the Club's Phone Chain to expedite Information Exchanges

December

Third All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and co-hosted by the US Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Academies, onboard the Ship, The Spirit Of Philadelphia

1994

June

SPPA Members attend and solicit incoming Class Of 1998 PLEBE Parents to join SPPA at the Annual S/E PA PLEBE Luncheon, held annually at the Officers' Club, JRT/NAS, Willow Grove, PA

July

Club's Adult Sponsor (Buddy) Program, similar to the Yard’s PLEBE Sponsor Program, is adopted and initiated for the Class Of 1998 Parents

Club's Fiscal Year is changed from January-to-December to July-to-June, with a decision made to hold Elections in either April or May, depending upon Meeting scheduling

September

Richard Coe (‘95/’98) is elected as the Club President for Fiscal Year 1994-95

November

SPPA adopts and authorizes the utilization of the current Name Badge Design

December

Fourth All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted by the US Air Force Academy

1995

May

Peggy Thomas (‘96) is elected as the Club President, Fiscal Year 1995-96

June

Captain Donald A. McRae, USNR (Retired), Southeastern Pennsylvania and Northern DelawarE (DE) B&G Officer Coordinator, initiates the holding of combined S/E PA and N DE PLEBE Class Luncheons for the Class of 1999, at the Officers' Club, NAS/JRT Base in Willow Grove, PA

SPPA Members attend and solicit incoming Class Of 1999 PLEBE Parents to join SPPA at the Annual S/E PA PLEBE Luncheon, held annually at the Officers' Club, JRT/NAS, Willow Grove, PA

July

First Officers' and Directors' Executive Meeting is conducted by President Peggy Thomas (‘96)

December

Fifth All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted the by US Military Academy

1996

April

Florence and Robert Miller (‘98) are elected as the first Club Co-Presidents for Fiscal Year 1996-97

June

SPPA Members attend and solicit incoming Class Of 2000 PLEBE Parents to join SPPA at the Annual S/E PA PLEBE Luncheon, held annually at the Officers' Club, JRT/NAS, Willow Grove, PA

July

Florence and Robert Miller (‘8) initiates the holding of regularly scheduled Club Officers' and Directors' Executive Meetings

September

Tail-Gate Committee, under the leadership of Sue Twiggs (‘99), initiates the holding of SPPA Tail-Gates at ALL Navy Home Football Games

December

Sixth All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted by the US Naval Academy (NAVY - SPPA)

1997

April

Jo-Ann Skubin (‘98) is elected as the Club President for Fiscal Year 1997-98

June

SPPA Members attend and solicit incoming Class Of 2001 PLEBE Parents to join SPPA at the Annual S/E PA PLEBE Luncheon, held annually at the Officers' Club, JRT/NAS, Willow Grove, PA

July

Jo-Ann Skubin (‘98) continues the holding of regularly scheduled Club Officers' and Directors' Executive Meetings

November

Officers and Members of the USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter, attend our Willow Grove Meeting and pledge more interactive support

December

Seventh All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted jointly by the US Coast Guard and the US Merchant Marine Academies

1998

February

Valley Forge Military Academy and College (VFMAC), Wayne PA, is added to the list of Meeting Sites, and the February Meeting is held there. Admiral Virgil Hill, USN (Retired; former Yard Supe), is current President of VFMAC

The concept of Dark Ages Packages for Mids is initiated, and the Packages are prepared and delivered to the Yard

April

Susan Twiggs (‘99) is elected as the Club President for Fiscal Year 1998-99

May

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter institutes the First Annual Richard J. Chudday Memorial Award. Award’s Criteria is based upon a MID’s Military standing. All MIDs from the S/E PA, South Jersey, and Northern Delaware Area being eligible to receive this Award. First recipient is MIDN 1/C David Coe of Newtown, PA (Anne and Richard Coe, David’s Parents, are active SPPA Members)

MIDN 4/C Joshua B. Stewart, USNA ‘01, becomes the first S/E PA MID to climb to the top of the Herndon Monument, which was conquered in 2 Hours, 22 Minutes, and 55 Seconds. His Parents, SPPA Members, are Deidre and Randy Stewart of Downingtown, PA

Club petitions Area Congressional Leaders to supply Flags flown over Capitol as Graduation Gifts for SPPA FIRSTIEs. Congressional Leaders reply that all S/E PA Graduates are to be given Flags -- To distinguish SPPA FIRSTIEs, Club asks Dave Twiggs to build Flag Boxes for each Flag. It is these boxed Flags that are then presented to FIRSTIEs whose Parents are SPPA Members

June

Sue Twiggs (‘99) continues the holding of regularly scheduled Club Officers' and Directors' Executive Meetings

Sue Twiggs (‘99) initiates attending USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter, Meetings and agrees to be SPPA’s Liaison

SPPA Members attend and solicit incoming Class Of 2002 PLEBE Parents to join SPPA at the Annual S/E PA PLEBE Luncheon, held annually at the Officers' Club, JRT/NAS, Willow Grove, PA

December

Eighth All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted by the US Air Force Academy

1999

February

During the Meeting at VFMAC, the Dark Ages Packages for Mids are prepared and readied for delivery to the Yard later in the Month

April

Dorinda Liebert (‘00) is elected as the Club President for Fiscal Year 1999-00

May

USNA AA informs all Parents’ Clubs that the PLEBE Listings will NOT be issued prior to the Friday of the first Week in May

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter awards the Second Annual Richard J. Chudday Memorial Award

Area’s Congressional Leaders are again petitioned to supply American Flags that were flown over Capitol as Graduation Gifts for all S/E PA Graduates. Dave Twiggs agrees to build special Flag Boxes for FIRSTIEs whose Parents are SPPA Members

The First Annual Social (Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres) is held from 1900 hours to 2100 hours at the Orion Club (Officers' Club), NAS/JRT Base, Willow Grove, in Willow Grove, PA

June

SPPA Members attend and solicit incoming Class Of 2003 PLEBE Parents to join SPPA at the Annual S/E PA PLEBE Luncheon, held annually at the Officers' Club, JRT/NAS, Willow Grove, PA

September

Prior to the First Meeting to be held at the North American Technologies Center in Warminster, PA, a tour of the Navy’s Centrifuge Center is made available for interested SPPA Members

Pot Luck Dinner Concept is implemented and is successfully initiated, providing more camaraderie amongst SPPA Members

September - December

SPPA Tailgates, again, are a smash hit with our MIDs, SPPA Members, and Visitors

November

Second Meeting is held at VFMAC and planning is initiated for the Tenth Anniversary - SPPA will be 10 Years Old on 26 February 2000

December

Ninth All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted by the US Military Academy

2000

February

Third Meeting is held at the North American Technologies Center in Warminster, PA with a Pot Luck Dinner

Committee reports on the 10th Anniversary planning; and the SPPA WebSite is unveiled by President Dindy Liebert (‘00), who was motivating force behind its creation

Dark Ages Packages for Mids are prepared and readied for delivery to the Yard later in the Month

Helen Callas-Reiner (‘91/’92) is presented with the First Life Membership Award in appreciation for her SPPA Service and Dedication

March

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter initiates First Annual USNA Information Day at Hatboro-Horsham High School; USNA Admissions, Blue & Gold, MID, Philadelphia Alumni, and SPPA Members host potential MIDs and Parents; purpose is to provide Information on Admissions Process, MID Experiences, Summer Seminars, Trips, and Parents’ Clubs

Tenth Anniversary is celebrated with a Brunch at the 94th Aero Squadron on Red Lion Road in Philadelphia, PA

April

Fourth Meeting is held at VFMAC, and outgoing Club President, Dorinda Liebert (‘00), is presented a Navy Quilt in appreciation of her SPPA Service

Deborah Feigel (‘02) is elected as the Club President for Fiscal Year 2000-01

May

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter awards the Third Annual Richard J. Chudday Memorial Award

June

SPPA Members attend and solicit incoming Class Of 2004 PLEBE Parents to join SPPA at the Annual S/E PA PLEBE Luncheon, held annually at the Officers' Club, JRT/NAS, Willow Grove, PA

December

Tenth All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted by the US Naval Academy (NAVY - SPPA)

2001

March

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter holds Second Annual USNA Information Day, to provide Information to potential MIDs

May

Bruce Vermeychuk (‘02) is elected as the Club President for Fiscal Year 2001-02

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter awards the Fourth Annual Richard J. Chudday Memorial Award

December

Eleventh All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted jointly by the US Coast Guard and the US Merchant Marine Academies

2002

March

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter holds Third Annual USNA Information Day, to provide Information to potential MIDs

May

SPPA re-initiates the issuing of the Club Newsletter, TELL TALES

Carole Capps (‘04) is elected as the Club President for Fiscal Year 2002-03

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter awards the Fifth Annual Richard J. Chudday Memorial Award

December

Twelfth All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted by the US Air Force Academy

2003

March

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter holds Fourth Annual USNA Information Day, to provide Information to potential MIDs

April

First Annual FIRSTIE Parents’ Salute – Recognition of our SPPA Parents

Carole Capps (‘04) is elected as the Club President for Fiscal Year 2003-04

May

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter awards the Sixth Annual Richard J. Chudday Memorial Award

December

Thirteenth All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted by the US Military Academy

2004

March

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter holds Fifth Annual USNA Information Day, to provide Information to potential MIDs

April

Second Annual FIRSTIE Parents’ Salute – Recognition of our SPPA Parents

Cheryl Kerrick (‘05) is elected as the Club President for Fiscal Year 2004-05

May

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter awards the Seventh Annual Richard J. Chudday Memorial Award

July

SPPA Club Newsletter, TELL TALES, is now accessible On-line at:

www.sppa.net -- News Master is Joseph Bartish (’93)

October

SPPA‘s First Annual Bus Trip is taken to a Navy Home Football Game; NAVY played Rice -- Score: NAVY, 14 -- Rice, 13

December

Fourteenth All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted by the US Naval Academy (NAVY - SPPA)

September - December

Best Football Record since 1963, 9-2; 1st 10-Win Season since 1905 (10-1-1); played in Emerald Bowl, SBC Park, San Francisco and defeated New Mexico, 34-19; held World's Largest Tailgate Party; 1st Back-To-Back Bowl Games since 1980 – played in X Bowl in Houston, TX, in 2003

2005

January

MIDN 1/C Anne O’Donnell (‘05), Swarthmore, PA, is selected as Marshall Scholar -- Scholars chosen based upon distinction of Intellect and Character, as evidenced by Academic Records, Achievements, and Activity Participation

45 Marshall Scholars chosen Annually … Receive 2-Year Study Scholarship in United Kingdom that pays all Fees, provides Stipend for Living, and Annual Book/Thesis/Research/Daily Travel Grants, as well as Transportation to/from England

Coach Paul Johnson is unanimous Winner of 2004 BOBBY DODD Award as Division I-A Coach of Year; Award honors Coach whose Program represents quality on / off Field, stressing importance Academic Excellence and Duty to Community

March

MIDN 1/C Anne O’Donnell (‘05), Swarthmore, PA, is recognized by USA Today as member of 2005 College Academic All-Star 1st Team

Team comprised of Full-Time Undergraduates seeking 1st Baccalaureate Degree at 4-Year Institutions in USA and Territories -- Criteria designed to find Students excelling not only in Scholarship, but Leadership on/off Campus ... All 20 received Trophies and $2,500 as Representative of All Outstanding Undergraduates

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter holds Fifth Annual USNA Information Day, to provide Information to potential MIDs

April

Third Annual FIRSTIE Parents’ Salute – Recognition of our SPPA Parents

James Carlson (‘08) is elected as the Club President for Fiscal Year 2005-06

May

USNA Alumni Association, Philadelphia Chapter awards the Eighth Annual Richard J. Chudday Memorial Award

Outgoing 2004-05 President Cheryl Kerrick (‘05) is recognized

First Grandparent Award presented to Dorothy Leffler, Grandmother of MIDN 1/C Adam Kerrick (’05), Huntingdon Valley, PA, for her Service to SPPA

October

SPPA‘s Seond Annual Bus Trip is taken to a Navy Home Football Game; NAVY played Air Force -- Score: NAVY, 00 -- Air Force, 00

Fifteenth Anniversary of the founding of SPPA is celebrated; Brunch is held at

December

Fifteenth All Service Academies' Military Ball is held and hosted jointly by the US Coast Guard and the US Merchant Marine Academies

2006

T B D

LEADERSHIP

Fiscal Year	*Name*	Class Year	Title
1990-1991	*Helen* *Callas-Reiner*	'91 / '92	CO - CHAIRPERSON
	*Barbara* *Kolbe*	'92	CO - CHAIRPERSON

1991-1992	*Barbara* *Kolbe*	'92	CHAIRPERSON

1992-1993	*Joseph* *Bartish*	'93	PRESIDENT

1993-1994	*Joseph* *Bartish*	'93	PRESIDENT

1994-1995	*Richard* *Coe*	'95 / '98	PRESIDENT

1995-1996	*Peggy* *Thomas*	'93	PRESIDENT

1996-1997	*Florence* *Miller*	'98	CO - PRESIDENT
	*Robert* *Miller*	'98	CO - PRESIDENT